DoH Abu Dhabi and GSK Forge Innovative Healthcare Partnership

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSK, a global biopharma company, to collaborate on accelerating innovative healthcare in Abu Dhabi, integrating cutting-edge treatments and personalised care.

In presence of Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, and Mr. Mark Oakes, Head of Life Sciences and Technology at the Department for Business and Trade, UK Government, the MoU was signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, and Dr. Averyan Vasylyev, Medical Director, GSK Gulf.

Signed on the sidelines of Arab Health 2024, the two entities seek to strengthen local and regional capabilities, combining DoH and GSK’s expertise to drive healthcare innovation, in areas of research and personalised medicine. The parties aim to further stimulate and sustain the growth of the biotechnology sector.

Building on existing strengths in big data, real-world evidence, clinical trials, and clinical practices, the partnership holds immense potential to revolutionise the life sciences landscape in the Emirate and around the globe.

Solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global life sciences hub and an incubator for healthcare innovation, the Department and GSK will leverage logistic solutions for the purposes of research in areas like oncology and other prominent diseases, setting up clinical trials at key UAE sites, thus, enabling further development of personalised and preventive care for enhanced patient outcomes.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei said: “The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) remains committed to forging renowned partnerships with our local and global partners, as they enable us to further enhance healthcare outcomes and elevate the quality of life within the Emirate and beyond. We believe that the future of healthcare lies in genomics and the use of health data, which is why we are partnering with the biggest players in the global healthcare sector. Our collaboration with GSK Life Sciences is a perfect representation of that, as it cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a global life sciences hub and an incubator for healthcare innovation.”

Boyd Chongphaisal, Vice President and General Manager of GSK Gulf, said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing research and development programmes in the region, with the potential to make a real difference in the lives of patients not only in the UAE but also beyond. Together, GSK and the DoH are dedicated to driving innovation, enhancing health services, and improving treatment options for patients in UAE.”

Hatem Mohamed / Tariq Al Fahaam